Let Soeharto's old age be peaceful

Let Soeharto's old age be peaceful

From Jurnal Indonesia

When I recently watched a televised report on former president Soeharto, who was about to be examined at the Central Pertamina Hospital (RSPP), I suddenly felt sorry for him. He looked extremely pale, weak and sorry, as if without a soul. I wondered if that was his actual physical and mental condition or if he was made to look that way.

If his condition is really powerless as reported by his team of doctors, I would like to appeal to all parties to let him go and spend his old age in peace. I think we should feel sorry for him and treat him more humanely, including dismissing him from all charges. Hasn't he been the nation's father of development? Hasn't he rendered this country many services? They say he has saved us from poverty. Remember those years our people were very poor?

I think it is just unfair that people are holding him responsible for everything his former administration did, as if he was the only person who has led the nation. For we all know there are so many former political and military high-ranking officials who should, in my opinion, also be held responsible for having -- as they say -- brought misfortune on this country. But so far they've kept smiling for not being brought to court. No, men, we should be fair to all and never merely revenge. Please have mercy on Pak Harto and let him sleep in peace while spending his old age, as he's been seriously ill.

M. FAUZAN

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